Thanks to a heads up from one of my great friends in ministry, he pointed to a good link to some food for thought.
In today’s theological discussion of God’s Sovereignty and man’s free will, simply stop by the Molinist view. God is so big and good and right, and men try so hard to grasp the breadth and width and depth of who He is; this is another attempt to try to understand our great and loving King. Give your brain a workout.
Check it out at Molinism.
Recently I had a question about pay for staff and any standard for that pay. Check out the resources at the site for the National Association of Church Business Administration, and even more uniquely MinistryPay. Generally, state conventions and national conventions also would have resources to help assess standards. But then, there is also the simple method of talking with trusted friends in ministry about what is happening in their church and region in regard to supporting those in the work.
What resources have you found that are useful in working with your personnel team and compensation packages?
A while back I wrote the following, but I would add to this one of the most powerful passages that stand out to me in my own call experience and that is Psalm 37:4-5. I would also add the following links to books that could be useful in this journey, Answering the Call, and Called to be God’s Leader.
My prayer is that you experience the Lord’s direction very clearly in your life!
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I recently had the opportunity to speak to a group of Sunday School leaders about one of the most powerful elements of who they are as leaders in the church…their call to service. For us as church leaders, the most critical marker for my service and ministry is my call. The Bible shows us God’s direction in peoples’ lives from Abraham, to Moses, the ups and downs of Saul, David, and the great call of Paul. Why is the call so critical?
1. It is why we do what we do. Really, what is it though? I have experienced two levels of call:
One, General Call, which is static, meaning that time in my life during the summer of 1990 when I clearly understood the Lord wanted my life for His use, whenever, wherever. I surrendered to Him. This call is the touch-stone where I go back to in my mind, kind of marking time and my life to this significant event. He continues to affirm this call on my life.
I have also experienced Specific Call, which has been wildly dynamic, and has offered opportunities for me to listen to Him and His direction in my life to serve in counseling, family work, singles, youth, and education. The most exciting part of this specific call is that He may keep me with my current orders, and then in a heartbeat, He could call to something completely different. I am content either way.
2. It gives direction and purpose to anyone, regardless of where their ministry is. If God calls someone to be a mechanic, or pilot, go, do it. Listen to Him.
3. It gives the ability to weather storms. If I know I am called to a place to serve that is hurting or struggling, or if I find myself in a low spot feeling like I am being pulled in a million different ways and I am ready to pull the parachute and walk away, I lean on the call.
What has He called you to do?
Wow, what about that magic show at the end of 2008, some disappearing act right! Ouch. I think we’re all reviewing our investment plans. What is your strategy? Here are some things I am keeping in mind:
1. Invest in a plan. You know the saying of having a plan and working a plan. No direction will get me nowhere. Visit with a number of wise folks, friends, financial planners; don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. We are working to have a couple of different revenue streams at retirement (if the Lord wills). Use financial planners and services. For ministers, if you are not using Guidestone, check them out. Also, as far as getting a picture of the impact of planning, check out Dave Ramsey’s investment calculator, plus many other solid resources he has.
2. Invest in a CPA. If you are a self-employed minister, get a solid CPA who understands you and stick with them.
3. Invest in yourself. You are (with the Lord’s help) your best investment. You and your work and earning potential are the most valuable part of your retirement. So find a way to continue to stretch, train, grow in your work and field. Find (or finish) books, seminars, schooling, and leadership development opportunities that will push you to be the best at what you do. Listen to your call. Perhaps make a complete change due to the Lord’s leading. One resource that has been valuable to me is Giant impact.
4. Invest in the Kingdom. As I read this week, the Lord promises, that’s right promises, that He will take care of you and me if we stay focused on Him from Matthew 6. So as I am rightfully planning for the future as a good steward of what the Lord has given me, I must not ever let my focus shift from my ultimate trust in Him, and also the things that truly have eternal value. This is a prime time to share the Hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is such an incredible gift that the Lord has blessed me with great friends. Great friends who are committed to their work and passion in life.
I am grateful to Cory Miller for his awesome work ethic, and generosity of time and talent. I have such a great time learning to use WordPress, its applications, and the great additions that iThemes continue to produce.
Thanks Cory!
Check out his sites and great resources at:
